Jerusalem is a holy city because it holds sacred sites central to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The visible Old City walls are about 40 feet high and were built between 1535 and 1542. Discover the secrets of this unique, ancient city!
Did you know there’s one city on Earth that is super important—or *holy*—to three HUGE world religions?
That city is Jerusalem! It’s one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history that stretches back almost 5,000 years. Imagine a place that people have been living in continuously for that long! Jerusalem sits in the Judaean Mountains, nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. For Jews, Christians, and Muslims, this one incredible city holds sacred sites that are central to their beliefs. Get ready to explore the secrets of this truly unique place for kids!
Mira says:
"Wow, a city holy to three faiths! That means there are so many different stories and amazing places to learn about. It’s like having three history books rolled into one city!"
What is Jerusalem Holy To? Three Big Religions!
Jerusalem is what we call a holy city because three of the world's biggest religions believe it is a special place where they can feel closest to God: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Because of this, it has lots of incredibly important religious spots packed into a small area!
For Judaism, Jerusalem is the spiritual heart of their faith. It’s where King David made his capital and King Solomon built the First Temple. The most sacred spot today is the Western Wall (or Kotel), which is what remains of the ancient Temple Mount structure.
Christianity looks to Jerusalem because it is connected to the life of Jesus. Christians believe Jesus was crucified (died) and then resurrected (came back to life) in the city. A huge, ancient church called the Church of the Holy Sepulchre marks the spot where these events are believed to have happened.
For Islam, Jerusalem is the third holiest city, right after Mecca and Medina. Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad made his famous Night Journey here in 621 CE and then ascended to heaven. Two very important Islamic sites, the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, are found on the Temple Mount area.
Mind-Blowing Fact!
The name 'Jerusalem' is thought to come from two Hebrew words: *yireh* (meaning 'will see') and *shalem* (meaning 'peace' or 'wholeness')! So, it could mean 'City of Peace'!
The Old City: A Walled Wonder!
If you visit Jerusalem, you will see the Old City, which is surrounded by huge, strong walls! These walls aren't ancient; the ones you see today were actually built by the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent between 1535 and 1542.
These impressive walls keep the Old City safe and divide it into four main neighborhoods, called Quarters: the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Armenian Quarter, and the Jewish Quarter.
(4,018 meters)
(About as tall as 4 elephants stacked!)
How Did Jerusalem Get Attacked So Much?
Because Jerusalem is so important to so many people, it has also been fought over a lot! Imagine being the most popular prize in a giant game that lasts for thousands of years.
Over its long history, Jerusalem has been attacked about 52 times, captured and recaptured 44 times, and besieged 23 times!
Famous Walls Throughout History
The walls around the Old City have changed many times! The Hasmonean walls, built around the time of the Hanukkah story, were actually taller than the current ones.
Even King Hezekiah, preparing for an Assyrian attack long before that, built a famous defense called the Broad Wall to protect the city's water supply.
💡 Did You Know?
Almost every single building in modern Jerusalem is made out of a special kind of white rock called Jerusalem Stone! This gives the whole city a beautiful, bright look.
🎯 Quick Quiz!
Which of these is NOT one of the three main religions that hold Jerusalem as a holy city?
Why is Sharing So Important in Jerusalem?
Since so many traditions share this one city, learning how to respect each other is a huge part of its story. Even when there were conflicts, history shows times when different groups lived together and shared the city peacefully.
For Muslims, Jerusalem was the very first direction (Qibla) they faced when praying, even before it was changed to Mecca. This shows just how central the city was from the beginning of Islam!
- Western Wall (Judaism): A remnant of the ancient Jewish Temple Mount.
- Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Christianity): Believed to contain Jesus’ tomb.
- Dome of the Rock (Islam): Marks the spot where Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.
- Old City Walls (History): Built by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 1500s.
Jerusalem is like a giant, living museum! It's a place where you can see layers upon layers of history, from ancient kingdoms to the mighty empires that came later. For kids learning history, it’s a fantastic example of how people’s beliefs can shape the world around them!
Questions Kids Ask About World History
Keep Exploring the Past!
What an adventure learning about the Holy City of Jerusalem! It’s proof that history isn't just about old dates—it’s about incredible places where millions of people have walked and worshipped for thousands of years. Keep asking questions and digging into the stories that shape our world!
